age 94, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017 at Cape Albeon. He was the son of the late Conrad George Mueller, Jr. and Mamie Mueller and the husband of the late Doris (Land) Mueller. He was the brother of the late Robert and Conrad.
He was born in St. Louis and lived his entire life in the St. Louis area with the exception of three years serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed in India and Burma flying transports as a navigator over the Hump (the Himalayas). He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Medal of Valor for flying a transport through the mountains and successfully landing it after the pilot and co-pilot were killed in flight by a Japanese fighter attack.
Following the war, he returned to St. Louis and to Washington University, where he received a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). Through his years as a social worker, he held leadership positions in urban development in St. Louis, and then in treatment of alcoholism. He had a number of articles published in professional journals. Throughout his career, his faith and his commitment to his church led him to work with those most challenged.
After his retirement he became active in collecting second hand shoes that were donated to Shoeman Water Project, whose proceeds were used to drill for clean water for the poor in Africa. In 2015, he was recognized at Busch Stadium during a Cardinals game as the person who collected the most shoes for the entire State of Missouri.
He leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Services: The memorial service will be held on March 21 at noon at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis, MO 63126.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the UCC Neighborhood Homes project is preferred. A KUTIS AFFTON SERVICE.